Year: 1980
Runtime: 100 min
Language: English
Director: Jay Sandrich
A writer's life takes a chaotic turn when he’s unexpectedly embroiled in a bank robbery and must flee. Seeking refuge, he turns to his ex-wife Glenda, a compassionate lawyer. However, her home holds unexpected complications: Glenda is now married to a rigid district attorney who’s hosting a party for law enforcement, putting Nick in a precarious and hilarious situation.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Seems Like Old Times yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Get a spoiler-free look at Seems Like Old Times (1980) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a breezy stretch of California’s coastline, a struggling writer finds his quiet routine blown apart by a sudden brush with criminal chaos. When a botched bank robbery forces him onto the run, he retreats to the only place that feels familiar enough to hide: the seaside cabin of a longtime friend. The film’s tone is light‑hearted and fast‑paced, letting absurdity ripple through every misstep while the scenic backdrop of Big Sur adds a touch of mellow contrast to the unfolding pandemonium.
Seeking refuge, he turns to his former spouse, Glenda, a warm‑hearted public defender whose sharp legal mind is matched only by her lingering affection for the man she once loved. Their reunion is complicated the moment he arrives, as Glenda’s life has moved forward into a polished suburban existence with a new husband, Ira Parks, a meticulous district attorney whose ambitions are as lofty as his reputation for order. The contrast between Glenda’s compassionate chaos and Ira’s rigid propriety creates a fertile ground for witty tension, hinting at unresolved feelings and the inevitable clash of personalities.
Compounding matters, Ira is preparing a high‑profile gathering that will draw the city’s law‑enforcement elite to their Brentwood home. The setting becomes a pressure cooker of social propriety, legal gravitas, and hidden desperation, placing the fugitive writer in a precarious position where every whispered plea for help risks exposure. The film thrives on this blend of domestic comedy and near‑criminal intrigue, using the impending party as a sparkling backdrop for slapstick moments and cleverly timed misunderstandings.
As the evening approaches, the house hums with the promise of polished speeches and polished shoes, while beneath the surface a tangled web of past love, professional duty, and runaway uncertainty tightens. The audience is left to wonder whether Glenda’s loyalty will bend the rules enough to keep the storm at bay, or whether the night’s festivities will unleash a cascade of comedic mayhem that reshapes every relationship in the room.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:12
Don't stop at just watching — explore Seems Like Old Times in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Seems Like Old Times is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Seems Like Old Times, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Seems Like Old Times with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Seems Like Old Times that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Seems Like Old Times (1980) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Seems Like Old Times (1980) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Seems Like Old Times (1980) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Seems Like Old Times – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Nothing But Trouble (1991) Film Overview & Timeline
Life of Crime (2014) Full Movie Breakdown
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005) Complete Plot Breakdown
Date Night (2010) Film Overview & Timeline
Getting to Know You (2020) Story Summary & Characters
Starting Over (1979) Full Movie Breakdown
A Family Affair (2024) Full Summary & Key Details
Small Time Crooks (2000) Movie Recap & Themes
Unfaithfully Yours (1984) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Fortune (1975) Film Overview & Timeline
Just One Time (2000) Detailed Story Recap
Watching the Detectives (2008) Full Movie Breakdown
Crazy on the Outside (2010) Story Summary & Characters
Happy Times (2002) Detailed Story Recap
They All Laughed (1981) Film Overview & Timeline